Fluid control means



Nov. 9, 1965 w. H. BRANCHE ETAL 3,216,479

FLUID CONTROL MEANS Filed Sept. 15, 1961 2 SheetsSheet 1 FIG. I

FIG. 4

INVENTOR. WILLIAM H. BRANCHE GLEN T A wm E BY ATTORNEY.

NOV. 9, 1955 W. BRANCHE ETAL 3,216,479

FLUID CONTROL MEANS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 3

Filed Sept. 15. 1961 FIG. 2

INVENTOR.

WILLIAM H. BRANCHE A. WHITE BY WM 001%;

GLEN

ATTORNEY.

United States Patent 3,216,479 FLUID CONTROL MEAN William H. Branche,Indianapolis, and Glen A. White,

Westfield, Ind., assignors to Carrier Corporation, Syracuse, N.Y., acorporation of Delaware Filed Sept. 15, 1961, Ser. No. 143,992 4 Claims.(Cl. 158-140) )This invention relates to control means, moreparticularly to means controlling the flow of fluids in response to theproper utilization of the fluid at a desired delivery point. Particularreference will be had to an embodiment of the invention in connectionwith a pilot light for gas burners where the flow of gas to the pilotWill be controlled in response to the presence of a flame at the pilot.

'A variety of situations exist in which it is necessary to control theflow of fluid through a supply conduit so that the fluid flow will bestopped upon the occurrence of some undesirable condition at the pointof delivery. To this end, different types of safety valves responsive tothe desired condition have been evolved. The positioning of the valve tocontrol fluid flow is effected by some sensing member arranged to detectthe presence or absence of the desired condition.

In the case of gas burners, contemporary technological advances havegiven rise to the utilization of a pilot flame adjacent the gas burnerserving to initiate operation of the burner. In most installations, theburner is not maintained operative continuously, and the pilot functionsto ignite any gas supplied to the burner so as to permit the 'on-offoperation required by automatic systems. As is apparent, any gassupplied to the pilot must be burned so as to prevent the flow ofinflammable gas into an area where it might prove dangerous. In order toinsure that gas is supplied to the pilot only when a flame is present,controls of the type here involved are employed.

As is the case with all burner equipment, it is desirable that anycontrols employed be relatively small, foolproof in operation, andutilizing a minimal number of components so as to minimize maintenanceand production costs. It is additionally desirable to promote the propermixture of air with the gas to attain combustion; and further to insurethe sensing of the desired combustion by the sensing member.

It is with these problems and desiderata in mind that the presentcontrol means have been evolved, means providing for a compact pilotstructure in which gas flow is controlled in a simple eflicient manner;proper air-gas mixtures are implemented; and sensing of the flame isfacilitated.

It is accordingly a primary object of this invention to provide animproved control for regulating the flow of fluids in response toconditions at a delivery point.

'Another object of the invention is to provide an improved pilot lightstructure in which the flow of gas to the pilot will be stopped upon theextinguishment of the pilot flame.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved valvearrangement subject to formation in a compact relatively small volume.

An additional object of the invention is to provide for an improvedmounting for a thermally responsive element, insuring the transfer ofheat to the element.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pilot structure in whichthe pilot flame will be relatively protected from extinguishment.

A further object of the invention is to provide for desired air-gasmixtures at the pilot.

These and other objects of the invention which will become hereafterapparent are achieved by provision of a duct through which fluid may bedirected to a desired 3,216,479 Patented Nov. 9, 1965 point. A valvemember is arranged to control the flow of fluid through said duct, and amember sensing the effect of proper utilization of said fluid at thedischarge point of said duct controls the operation of the valve member.In the preferred embodiment of the invention here illustrated, the novelstructure will be seen embodied in a pilot light assembly for gasburners. The duct is a pilot stem through which gas is directed to atarget plate serving to direct the pilot flame partially to the burnerto be lit thereby and partially to a valve controlling sensing element.An ignition or escapement stem is provided for igniting the gas suppliedby the pilot stem. The valve is controlled by a magnetically actuatedarmature, and a magnet for actuation of the armature is coupled to athermally responsive arm which is arranged to be impinged on by aportion of the flame striking the pilot target plate. A novel chimneystructure is provided for mounting the pilot stern and the escapementstem so as to insure proper admixture of primary and secondary air withthe gases, and serving to prevent the dissipation of heat and accidentalextinction of the pilot flame.

An important feature of the invention resides in the improvedconstruction of the magnetically actuated valve which permits formationof the valve as a simple compact structure occupying a minimal volumeand simple in production and maintenance. By the use of a disc-shapedarmature, proper valve operation is attained regardless of itsorientation.

An additional feature of the invention resides in the novel chimneymounting for the pilot stem providing for the desired gas-air mixture.

A further feature of the invention resides in the mounting for thesensing element which insures a response of the element only to flameheat and not to other heat in the area.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the novel targetwhich permits primary aeration.

An additional feature of the invention resides in the sensing armstructure with its warpage preventing structure.

The specific details of a preferred embodiment of the invention andtheir mode of functioning will be made most manifest and particularlypointed out in clear, concise, and exact terms in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a pilot assembly embodying the detailsof the instant novel control means;

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 22 of FIGURE 1illustrating the relationship between the valve, the pilot stem, thetarget plate, and the sensing arm;

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 33 of FIGURE 1illustrating the relationship between the ignition or escapement stem,the pilot stem, and the valve; and

FIGURE 4 is atop plan view of the assembly illustrated in FIGURE 2.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, like numerals in thvarious figures will be employed to designate like parts.

The control means forming the subject of this invention is animprovement over the unit described in United States Patent No.2,630,860, issued March 10, 1953. Reference may be had to the patent fora description of the preferred usage of the invention.

The pilot assembly 10 as best seen in FIGURES 2 and 3 is formed with avalve body 11 made up of a non-magnetic material such as zinc oraluminum. A pilot port 12 extends through the body 11 and is formed toextend along a straight path 13 and a skew path 14 from inlet 15 tooutlet 16. The outlet 16 is provided with a tapped recess to receive anorifice structure 17.

A valve seat 20 is positioned in the pilot port 12 between the straightpath 13 and skew path 14, as best seen in FIGURE 2. The valve member 21comprises an armature 22 of ferro magnetic material in the shape of afrusto-conical disc having an aperture within which a steel ball 23 issecurely held. The diameter of ball 23 is such that it will seat onvalve seat 20 blocking fluid flow through port 12. Spring 25 is arrangedto engage a flange 26 on armature 22 and bear against an emboss 27 insealing cup 28.

Escapement port 30 extends through valve body 11 and is formed in astraight path 31 between inlet 32 and outlet 33, which is provided withan orifice structure 34. Orifice structure 34 is a hexhead bolt with anappropriate opening formed therein to permit the passage of desiredquantities of gas similar to orifice structure 17.

The escapement stem 40 as best seen in FIGURE 3 is formed of an elongatecylindrical configuration having an open lower end adapted to extendabout the opening in orifice structure 34, and having its upper endclosed off by dome structure 41. A slot 42 extends through the domestructure and down a portion of the length of the stem so as to insurethe burning of all of the gas fed to the stern orifices 43 and 44. Whereautomatic ignition is desired, an aperture 45 is formed in stem 40, andan electric ignition coil (not shown) of a conventional type ispositioned adjacent this aperture to effect ignition of gases passingthrough the stem.

The pilot stem 50 is similarly formed of an elongate cylindricalconfiguration with an open lower end of a diameter encompassing theopening in orifice structure 17. The upper end of pilot stem 50 is cutat a slant as best seen in FIGURES 2 and 3 to provide for outlet 51.

A chimney mounting structure or shroud 55 is formed of sheet materialsuch as sheet steel or the like and supports and encompasses theescapement stem 40 and pilot stem 50. The escapement stem 40 is rigidlysupported in position between a spaced upper escapement mount ing plate56 and lower escapement mounting plate 57. As best seen in FIGURES 2 and3 a space is left between the bottom of escapement stem 40 and the topof orifice structure 34 for a purpose to be made here inafter moreapparent. Pilot stem 50 is supported Within a rectangular chamber 58formed within mounting chimney 55.

The target 60 formed as illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3 is provided witha supporting arm 61 secured to a wall of the chamber 58 surrounding andsupporting pilot stem 50.

The configuration of the target 60 is such that most of the gas emittedfrom the outlet 51 of pilot stem 50 is directed outwardly, to the rightas viewed in FIGURE 2, towards the burner to be ignited by the pilot.Some smaller portion of the gas is, however, directed to the left asviewed in FIGURE 2 against the thermally responsive arm 65.

Arm 65 includes leg portion 65a anchored at one end 76 and joining atthe other, a generally U-shaped portion 65b and a leg portion 650 fixedat one end 65d to housing. 68 and connected to leg 65a through integralbridge portion 652. Arm 65 is made up of a relatively thin band of rigidmaterial such as stainless steel which will warp temporarily under theaction of the flame directed thereagainst by the target. The lower end65b of arm 65 has secured thereto a magnet 66 of Alnico or the like. Themagnet 66 is secured to the arm by means of an adjustable bracket 69fastened by screw 70 to U-shaped portion 65b of arm 65 made integralwith the arm.

The upper end of arm 65 is secured to a mounting plate 75 by means ofrivet 76 or the like fastener. Plate 75 is formed with heat dissipatingapertures 77 serving to minimize the heat retention of the mountingplate, and functioning additionally to admit air to the shroud 55 toobtain the desired fuel air ratios.

As seen to the lower left in FIGURE 2, section 65h of U-shaped portion65b of leg 65 has secured thereto an adjustable screw 78 which actsagainst contact blades 80 of switch 81 controlling flow of gas to themain burner serviced by the pilot forming the invention.

The purpose of the bracket 69 and adjusting screw 70 is to provide anadjustment for spacing the magnet 66 relative to the valve body 11.

The instant structure reveals an embodiment of a control device by meansof which the flow of fluid is controlled in response to the utilizationof the fluid at the desired delivery point. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that a variety of different types of fluids may becontrolled by structures embodying the instant inventive concepts.

By way of example, the invention has been illustrated as utilized inconjuction with a gas pilot assembly 10.

Such pilot assemblies are employed to provide automatic ignition of agas burner when it is desired to utilize the burner. Thus where gasburners are employed for residential heating purposes, whether for theproduction of hot water, or area heat, some thermostatic control isgenerally employed to regulate the supply of gas to the burner. When thethermostat determines the need for heat, the burner gas supply valvesare opened supplying necessary fuel to the gas burner. This fuel isignited by the pilot flame which is constantly maintained.

Since the gas supply to the pilot is constant, it is necessary toprovide some control in the event that the flame goes out for somereason such as a draft, liquid spillage or the like.

The instant structure permits this function to be attained. Thus, inuse, gas is fed to the ignition or escapement stem 40 by means of somemanually controlled valve. The operator initiates gas flow to theescapement stem 40, and effects ignition thereof either manually With amatch, or by means of an electric ignition coil. The flame produced bythe escapement stem 40 extends into proximity with the discharge opening51 of pilot stem 50 and against thermal arm 65.

The action of the flame on thermal arm 65 held rigidly at points 76 and65d is such as to cause the arm 65 to warp so as to move magnet 66 tothe right as viewed in FIGURE [2. This movement of the magnet 66.results in an increase of flux density acting on armature 22 whichcauses the armature to move to the left as viewed in FIGURE 2, therebydisplacing ball 23 from valve seat 20 which permits the flow of gasthrough pilot port 12 from inlet 15 to outlet 16.

At outlet of on'fice 17, the gas is mixed with primary air from chamber58 with the resultant air-gas mixture moving upwardly through pilot stem50. This air-gas mixture has secondary air added to it at outlet 51 andis ignited by the flame of escapement stem 40. With the constructionillustrated, the primary air for flow through the pilot stem is inducedto pass under and in the proximity of the flame as it passes downwardlythrough chamber 58 accommodating the pilot stem. During operation of thepilot, the pilot flame and the pilot stem 40 heat the primary air to anextent determined by the size of the flame and the temperature of thestem. This feature established a relation between the primary air andthe gas flow from orifice 17 such that substantially constant flamecharacteristics are obtained over a relatively large variation in thepressure of the gas supplied to the orifice. If, for example, thetemperature of the flame rises, due to an increase in the pressure ofthe supply gas, the temperature of the air in proximity of the flame andthe temperature of the stem also rises. The primary air is then subjectto a flame and stem temperature of a higher value which, in turn,apparently reduces the rate of primary air flow as the air expands whensubjected to the increased temperature to maintain the flow described.

The action of the flames induces secondary air and also preheats primaryair prior to its entrance into chamber 58 through a path indicated bythe dotted arrows.

At this time the supply of gas to escapement stem 40 is shut off. Theflame at the outlet of pilot stem 50 impinges on target 60 whence amajor portion thereof is diverted to the right as viewed in FIGURE 2towards the gas burner to be ignited thereby, and a secondary portion ofthe flame is diverted to the left as viewed in FIGURE 2 against thermalarm 65 to maintain same in a warped condition permitting magnet 66 toattract armature 22.

So long as the pilot flame remains ignited, the arm 65 is warped to thisposition permitting attraction of the armature 22. Upon the extinctionof the flame, the arm cools returning to its original position pullingmagnet 66 to a position sufliciently remote from armature 22 so that theflux density of magnet 66 no longer overcomes the force exerted byspring 25 so that the ball is again seated on valve seat 20 shutting offthe flow of gas to the pilot stem 50.

When arm 65 returns to its non-warped condition, contact blades 80 areseparated, and if these contact blades are arranged in the thermostatcircuit the supply of gas to the burner can no longer be initiated.Obviously a variety of signal circuits may be controlled by contacts 80to indicate the extinction of the pilot flame.

It will be observed by those skilled in the art that the construction ofthe novel magnetic valve is such as to permit fabrication of thestructure in a relatively small volume, light in weight, simple ofassemblage and requiring minimal maintenance. The spring biased armatureprovides for positive orientation of the valve ball 23 against the seatregardless of the position of the valve. The sealing cup 21 serves toprevent any accumulations of foreign matter within the valve body.

An important feature of the valve 23, together with its actuatingmechanism, is the reliability of operation assured by a constructionfree of linkage or equivalent structure prone to mechanical failure.With the parts shown and described, adjustment may be made whereby thecontacts 80 engage either before or after the gap between the magnet 66and cup 21 is reduced to an extent such that attraction of the armature22, together with opening of the valve passage, is accomplished.

The mounting shroud 55 for the escapement stem 40 and pilot stem 50provides for a chimney effect in which the desired flow of secondary andprimary air to the gases supplied to the stems is insured.

The mounting plate 75 for arm 65 with its apertures 77 serves to permitair flow into the shroud 55 and additionally minimizes heat retention bythe arm 65 thereby insuring proper functioning thereof.

It is thus seen that a simple means for controlling the flow of fluidhas been provided which automatically cuts off fluid flow when theutilization of the fluid at the point of delivery is not as desired. Theinvention has been disclosed as embodied in a gas pilot wherebyextinction of the pilot flame automatically results in a cessation ofgas flow. The novel structure is compact, light in weight, with fewmoving parts, simple of manufacture and maintenance, and functioningregardless of orientation.

The above disclosure has been given by way of illustration andelucidation, and not by way of limitation, and it is desired to protectall embodiments of the herein disclosed inventive concept within thescope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a fluid flow system having duct means through which the fluid isconducted to a point of utilization, and valve means regulating the flowof fluid through said duct means, control means for actuating said valvemeans, said control means comprising: sensing means arranged inproximity to the outlet of said duct means; target means against whichthe fluid passing through said duct means will impinge for deflectioninto a sensing relationship with said sensing means; and magneticcoupling means between said sensing means and said valve means foreffecting orientation of said valve means to a position permitting fluidflow through said duct means upon the occurrence of the desiredcondition at the outlet of said duct means.

2. A gas pilot structure comprising: a valve body having a pilot portextending therethrough; a valve seat arranged in said port; a valvemember movable from a position in said seat blocking the pilot port to aposition remote therefrom permitting free flow of gas through the port;a pilot stem spaced slightly from the outlet of said port; a chambersurrounding said stem confining air in proximity with the path of travelof gas from the port to said stern; a target positioned adjacent theoutlet of said stem upon which a flame produced by the ignition of thegas flowing through said stem will impinge; a thermally responsive armpositioned adjacent said target upon which a portion of the flameimpinging said target will be deflected; a magnet supported by said armin proximity to said valve; an armature supporting said valve member;and a spring biasing said armature and said valve member supportedthereby against said valve seat whereby the heating of said arm willwarp same to cause said magnet to move to a position attracting saidarmature against the action of said spring to permit the flow of gasthrough said valve port.

3. A pilot structure as in claim 2 in which an escapement stem isarranged adjacent said pilot stem through which gas may flow intoproximity with said pilot stem; and said valve body is formed with anescapement port through which gas is directed to said escapement stem.

4. A pilot structure as in claim 3 in which said pilot stem and saidescapement stem are enclosed within a shroud effecting air flow to theinlet of said stems.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,000,294 5/35Newell 73-363 2,487,963 11/49 Cerny et al. 236-101 2,487,969 11/49Higley 236-101 2,516,504 7/50 Cerny et al. 158-127 X 2,533,491 12/50McMahon et al. 251- 2,575,086 11/51 Atchison 251-65 2,630,860 3/53 Cernyet al 158-124 2,649,777 8/53 Saper-Sztejn 251-65 X 2,781,979 2/57 Kraft236-48 2,942,837 6/60 Bauerlein 251-65 X 3,044,299 7/ 62 Weber et al.73-363 FREDERICK L. MATTESON, JR., Primary Examiner.

PERCY L. PATRICK, FREDERICK KETTERER,

JAMES W. WESTHAVER, Examiners.

2. A GAS PILOT STRUCTURE COMPRISING: A VALVE BODY HAVING A PILOT PORT EXTENDING THERETHROUGH; A VALVE SEAT ARRANGED IN SAID PORT; A VALVE MEMBER MOVABLE FROM A POSITION IN SAID SEAT BLOCKING THE PILOT PORT TO A POSITION REMOTE THEREFROM PERMITTING FREE FLOW OF GAS THROUGH THE PORT; A PILOT STEM SPACED SLIGHTLY FROM THE OUTLET OF SAID PORT; A CHAMBER SURROUNDING SAID STEM CONFINING AIR IN PROXIMITY WITH THE PATH OF TRAVEL OF GAS FROM THE PORT TO THE STEM; A TARGET POSITIONED ADJACENT THE OUTLET OF SAID STEM UPON WHICH A FLAME PRODUCED BY THE IGNITION OF THE GAS FLOWING THROUGH SAID STEM WILL IMPINGE; A THERMALLY RESPONSIVE ARM POSITIONED ADJACENT SAID TARGET UPON WHICH A PORTION OF THE FLAME IMPINGING SAID TARGET WILL BE DEFLECTED; A MAGNET SUPPORTED BY SAID ARM IN PROXIMITY TO SAID VALVE; AN ARMATURE SUPPORTING SAID VALVE MEMBER; AND A SPRING BIASING SAID ARMATURE AND SAID VALVE MEMBER SUPPORTED THEREBY AGAINST SAID VALVE SEAT WHEREBY THE HEATING OF SAID ARM WILL WRAP SAME TO CAUSE SAID MAGNET TO MOVE TO A POSITION ATTRACTING SAID ARMATURE AGAINST THE ACTION OF SAID SPRING TO PERMIT THE FLOW OF GAS THROUGH SAID VALVE PORT.
 3. A PILOT STRUCTURE AS IN CLAIM 2 IN WHICH AN ESCAPEMENT STEM IS ARRANGED ADJACENT SAID PILOT STEM THROUGH WHICH GAS MAY FLOW INTO PROXIMITY WITH SAID PILOT STEM; AND SAID VALVE BODY IS FORMED WITH AN ESCAPEMENT PORT THROUGH WHICH GAS IS DIRECTED TO SAID ESCAPEMENT STEM. 